Water counterweight system for theatrical props and curtains

ABSTRACT

A counterweight assembly for theatrical scenery comprising a hollow enclosure supported for vertical shifting and adapted to have scenery suspension lines attached thereto with the enclosure acting as a counterweight for the scenery. The enclosure includes an inlet and an outlet opening therefor through which water may be pumped into the enclosure to increase the weight thereof and through which water may be drained from the enclosure to decrease the weight thereof.

United States Patent Butler [54] WATER COUNTERWEIGHT SYSTEM FOR THEATRICAL PROPS AND CURTAINS [72] Inventor: Lloyd V. Butler, 5251 79th Street,

Sacramento, Calif. 95820 [22] Filed: Jan. 20, 1970 y 211 Appl. No.: 4,265

[52] US. Cl. ..254/l4l, 272/22, 91/390,

248/331, 254/178 [51] Int. Cl. ..A63j 1/02 [58] Field of Search ..272/22; 254/93 R, 141, 178, 254/189; 187/68, 70; 60/8, 51; 185/33; 91/390; 92/84, 137; 248/325, 331, 364;

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,530,836 3/1925 Kuzilik ..248/364 X 2,239,481 4/1941 Christensen ..137/568 X 51 Sept. 12, 1972 FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 496,799 4/1930 Germany ..272/22 1,542,722 9/1968 France ..254/141 Primary Examiner-Richard C. Pinkham Assistant Examiner-R. T. Stouffer A:torneyC1arence A. OBrien and Harvey B. Jacobson [ 5 7] ABSTRACT A counterweight assembly for theatrical scenery comprising a hollow enclosure supported for vertical shifting and adapted to have scenery suspension lines attached thereto with the enclosure acting as a counterweight for the scenery. The enclosure includes an inlet and an outlet opening therefor through which water may be pumped into the enclosure to increase the weight thereof and through which water may be drained from the enclosure to decrease the weight thereof.

8 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures PATENTEDSEPIZIBYZ 3.690.617

SHEET 1 BF 2 44 Lloyd V. Bur/er IN VENTOR.

BY 455w; 3m

l The counterweight system WATER COUNTERWEIGHT SYSTEM FOR THEATRICAL PROPS AND CURTAINS stage'settings. The total weight of these counterweights is varied by adding or subtracting-removal counterweight sections therefrom. This system of counterweighting involves relatively high labor costs when a change in the weight of the counterweight must be accomplished and involves danger when workmen have to go aloft to add or delete pig iron weights to a mum terweight. The workman is in danger of falling and there is also a danger that the pig iron addition or deletion will be dropped. v

of the instant invention utilizes a water ballast tank as a counterweight and the water ballast tank is supported for vertical shifting and has drapery, curtain, drops and stage setting suspension lines attached thereto. The water ballast tank is provided with an opening through which water may be pumped into the tank and from which water may be drained from the tank for varying the weight thereof and thus accomplishing changes in the weight of the counterbalance system. 3

The counterbalance system of the instant invention includes a hose reel having a hose wound thereon with one end of the hose coupled to the water inlet and outlet opening of the ballast tank and the other end of the hose is coupled to a suitable source of water under pressure and a water drain line through a single rotatable coupling. A shut-off valve is provided upstream on the water inlet side and a drain valve is provided on the downstream side for the drain pipe whereby water may be selectively pumped into or drained from the water ballast tank in order to increase and decrease its weight.

By this construction, a single person controlling the inlet and drain valves may vary the weight of the counterbalance or ballast tank of the system so as to shift the curtains, drops and stage settings as desired.

The main object of this invention is to provide a variable weight counterbalance system for theatrical curtains, drops and stage settings etc. which may be actuated to shift the desired equipment in the prescribed manner merely by pumping water into or draining water from the ballast tank of the counterbalance system.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a water counterweight system for theatrical props and curtains which may be readily actuated and maintained under the complete control of a single workman with little effort on the part of the workman.

A still further object of this invention is to provide a counterweight system in accordance with the preceding objects that may be readily incorporated into existing theaters and studios.

A final object of this invention to be specifically enumerated herein is to provide a water counterweight system which will conform to conventional forms of manufacture, be of simple construction and easy to use so as to provide a device that will be economically feasible, long lasting and relatively trouble-free in operation.

These together with other objects and advantages which will become subsequently apparent reside in the details of construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings formed a part hereof.

wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout,'

and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view ofa theater stage with a drop counterbalanced by the counter weight system of the instant invention; FIG. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary side elevational view of the counterbalance system;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary vertical sectional viewtaken substantially upon the plane indicated by section line FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional .view of the manually actuatable brake for the counterweight system;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view taken substantially upon a plane indicated by section line 5-5 of FIG. 2; and

FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic view of the water flow system of the counterweight system.

Referring now more specifically to the drawings the numeral 10 generally designates the floor or stage of a studio which also includes overhead beams 12 from which pulleys 14 are supported.

The counterweight system of the instant invention is referred to in general by the reference numeral 16 and includes an upper gang pulley assembly referred to in general bythe reference numeral 18 including four pulley wheels 19 and supported from one of the beams 14 and a lower floor mounted pulley 20 aligned with first and second pulleys 22 and 24 also suspended from the same beam 14, the pulley 22 being; axially aligned with the pulleys 19 see FIG. 3.

A support or purchase line 26 is trained about the pulleys 20, 22 and 24 and the end portion of the line 26 which extends upwardly from the pulley 20 toward the pulley 22 is attached to an eye 28 on the bottom of a counterbalance water tank or enclosure 30 provided with exterior weights 29 for reducing the amount of liquid which must be pumpted into the tank for increasing the weight of the tank to a predetermined weight in excess of the weight of the tankwhen empty. A crossbeam 32 is supported from the upper end of the tank 30 and the end of the support line 26 which extends downwardly from the pulley 22 toward the pulley 20 is anchored to the center of the cross-beam 32 as at 34 the opposite ends of the line 26 defining a first reach of the line 26 and that portion of the line extending downwardly from the pulley 24 to the pulley 20 defining a second reach of the line 266.

A mount 36 is anchored to the floor 10 by means of suitable fasteners 38 and includes a stand 40 from which the pulley 20 is joumaled. In addition, a support table 42 is supported above the mount 36 from a piping assembly referred to in general by the reference numeral 44.

The piping assembly 44 includes a water inlet line 46 which opens into one end of a manifold pipe 48 and an outlet line 50 whose inlet end opens into the outlet end of the manifold pipe 48. The outlet line 50 has its outlet end communicated with a drain line 52 and the inlet line 46 has its inlet end communicated with the discharge end of a supply line 54 to which water is supplied from a delivery line 56 extending from the outlet 58 of a pump 60 driven by an electric motor 62. The pump 60 includes an inlet 64 communicated with a domestic water line 66 and a-pressure line 68 is communicated with the line 54 and includes a pressure actuator 70'for actuating a pressure switch 72 controlling the electrical circuit 74 to the motor 62 and utilized to electrically connect the latter to a suitable source of electrical potential (not shown) in response to the pressure in the line 54 dropping below a predetermined minimum. I

An inlet valve 76 is disposed at the inlet end of the manifold pipe 48 and an outlet valve 78 is disposed at the outlet end of the manifold pipe 48 leading to the outlet line 50. The valves 76'and 78 include actuators 80 and 82 which project upwardly through the support table 42 for actuation by the operator and a hose reel 84 is journaled on a branch line 86 communicated with the manifold pipe 48 intermediate the valves 76'and 78. An elongated flexible -hose 88 has one end thereof wound on the reel 84 and communicated with the branch line 86 through a rotatable .coupling (not shown) and the other end of the hose 88 is connected to an inlet-outlet neck 90 opening into the bottom of the interior of the tank 30.

With attention now invited more specifically to FIG. 1 of the drawings, a drop 92 may be seen as suspended from a plurality of suspension lines 94 and the suspension lines 94 extend upwardly from the drop 92 about the pulleys l4 andover the pulleys 19 of the gang pulley assembly 18 and thereafter extend downward for securement to the cross-beam 32 as at 98. In addition, a brake-assembly referred to in general by the reference numeral 100 is supported from the support table 42 and includes friction brake surfaces 102 and 104 for frictionally gripping the support or purchase line 26 therebetween. The friction surface 104 is pivotally supported from a handle lever 106 although it is tobe noted that the friction surface 104 could be supported from an electrically actuated solenoid.

When the circuit 74 is actuated, the electric motor 62 will operate the pump 60 so as to maintain a desired minimum pressure within the line 54. When a predetermined excess pressure is reached, the switch 72 is actuated by the pressure actuator 70 to open the circuit 74 and terminate operation of the motor 62. Accordingly when an operator desires to increase the total weight of the counterbalance defined by the tank 30, the valve 78 is maintained closed and the valve 76 is opened whereby water under pressure will be pumped into the tank' 30 so as to increase its weight. After the desired increase of weight is obtained, the lever 106 may be actuated to release the brake and allow the heavier tank 30 to raise the drop 92 to the desired level at which time the brake is again actuated. On the other hand, when it is desired to lower the'drop 92, the valve 76 is maintained closed while the brake'is applied and the valve 78 is open to drain water from the tank 30 which is vented by an upper overflow and vent assembly 1 10. When the desired amount of water has been drained from the tank 30, the valve 78 is closed and the brake is released to allow upward movement of the lighter tank 30.

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modificationsand changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to falling within the scope of the invention as claimed.

What is claimed as new is as follows:

1. In combination, a counterweight assembly for theatrical scenery comprising a hollow tank supported for guided vertical shifting, flexible scenery suspension lines having one set of ends thereof anchored to said assembly, elevated antifriction guide means over which mid-portions of said lines are passed with said tank comprising a counterweight for sceneryto be suspended from the other set of ends of said lines, said tank including liquid inlet and outlet means, and liquid supply means andliquid drain means operatively connected to said liquid inlet and outlet means for selectively pumping liquid into and draining liquid from said tank, a support or purchase line and vertically spaced rope guide means about which said support line is trained to define a pair of upstanding reaches extending between said rope guide means, said tankbeing interposed in and supported from one of said rope reaches.

2. The combination of claim 1 wherein said assembly includes stationary friction brake means selectively operable on the other reach of said rope for variably retarding longitudinal shifting of said other reach relative to said brake means.

3. In combination, a counterweight assembly for line's having one set of ends there anchored to said assembly, elevated antifriction guide means over which mid-portions of said lines are passed with said tank comprising a counterweight for scenery to be suspended from the other set of ends of said lines, said tank including liquid inlet and outlet means, and liquid supply means and liquid drain means operatively connected to said liquid inlet and outlet means for selectively pumping liquid into and draining liquid from said tank, said liquid supply means including a motor, a liquid pump driven by said motor and including a liquid outlet and a liquid inlet adapted to be communicated with a suitable source of liquid, a delivery line having one end communicated with said liquid outlet, a second end communicated with said inlet and outlet means and including an inlet valve disposed between said inlet and outlet means and said liquid outlet, an outlet line having one end communicated with said delivery line between said inlet and outlet means and said liquid outlet and an outlet end adapted to discharge liquid drained from said tank, and an outlet valve operatively associated with said outline line and disposed between the outlet end of said delivery line and said inlet valve.

4. The combination of claim 3 wherein, said liquid I supply means includes pressure sensing control means for said motor operative to terminate operation of said motor in response to an increase of liquid pressure within said delivery line above a predetermined maximum desired pressure and to begin operation of said motor in response to a decrease of liquid pressure within said delivery line below a predetermined minimum pressure.

5. In combination, a counterweight assembly for tank, said tank including exterior weights so as to reduce the amount of liquid which must be pumped thereinto for increasing the weight of the tank to a predetermined weight excess of the weight of the tank when empty.

6. The combination of claim 5 including a purchase support line and stationarily supported vertically spaced rope guide means about which said support line is trained to define a pair of upstanding reaches extending between said rope guide means, said tank being in terposed in and supported from one of said rope reaches.

7. The combination of claim 6 wherein said liquid supply means includes a motor, a liquid pump driven by said motor and including a liquid outlet and a liquid inlet adapted to be communicated with a suitable source of liquid, a delivery line having one end communicated with said liquid outlet, a second end communicated with said inlet and outlet means and including an inlet valve disposed between said inlet and outlet means and said liquid outlet, and outlet line having one end communicated with said delivery line between said inlet and outlet means and said liquid outlet and an outlet end adapted to discharge liquid drained from said tank, and an outlet valve operatively associated with said outlet line and disposed between the outletend of said delivery line and said inlet valve.

8. The combination of claim 7 wherein said assembly includes friction brake means stationarily supported relative to said rope guide means and selectively operable on the other reach of said purchase line for variably retarding longitudinal shifting of said other reach relative to said brake means. 

1. In combination, a counterweight assembly for theatrical scenery comprising a hollow tank supported for guided vertical shifting, flexible scenery suspension lines having one set of ends thereof anchored to said assembly, elevated antifriction guide means over which mid-portions of said lines are passed with said tank comprising a counterweight for scenery to be suspended from the other set of ends of said lines, said tank including liquid inlet and outlet means, and liquid supply means and liquid drain means operatively connected to said liquid inlet and outlet means for selectively pumping liquid into and draining liquid from said tank, a support or purchase line and vertically spaced rope guide means about which said support line is trained to define a pair of upstanding reaches extending between said rope guide means, said tank being interposed in and supported from one of said rope reaches.
 2. The combination of claim 1 wherein said assembly includes stationary friction brake means selectively operable on the other reach of said rope for variably retarding longitudinal shifting of said other reach relative to said brake means.
 3. In combination, a counterweight assembly for theatrical scenery comprising a hollow tank supported for guided vertical shifting, flexible scenery suspension lines having one set of ends there anchored to said assembly, elevated antifriction guide means over which mid-portions of said lines are passed with said tank comprising a counterweight for scenery to be suspended from the other set of ends of said lines, said tank including liquid inlet and outlet means, and liquid supply means and liquid drain means operatively connected to said liquid inlet and outlet means for selectively pumping liquid into and draining liquid from said tank, said liquid supply means including a motor, a liquid pump driven by said motor and including a liquid outlet and a liquid inlet adapted to be communicated with a suitable source of liquid, a delivery line having one end communicated with said liquid outlet, a second end communicated with said inlet and outlet means and including an inlet valve disposed between said inlet and outlet means and said liquid outlet, an outlet line having one end communicated with said delivery line between said inlet and outlet means and said liquid outlet and an outlet end adapted to discharge liquid drained from said tank, and an outlet valve operatively associated with said outline line and disposed between the outlet end of said delivery line and said inlet valve.
 4. The combination of claim 3 wherein, said liquid supply means includes pressure sensing control means for said motor operative to terminate operation of said motor in response to an increase of liquid pressure within said delivery line above a predetermined maximum desired pressure and to begin operation of said motor in response to a decrease of liquid pressure within said delivery line below a predetermined minimum pressure.
 5. In combination, a counterweight assembly for theatrical scenery comprising a hollow tank supported for guided vertical shifting, flexible scenery suspension lines having one set of ends thereof anchored to said assembly, elevated antifriction guide means over which mid-portions of said lines are passed with said tank comprising a counterweight for scenery to be suspended from the other set of ends of said lines, said tank including liquid inlet and outlet means, and liquid supply means and liquid drain means operatively connected to said liquid inlet and outlet means for selectively pumping liquid into and draining liquid from said tank, said tank including exterior weights so as to reduce the amount of liquid which must be pumped thereinto for increasing the weight of the tank to a predetermined weight excess of the weight of the tank when empty.
 6. The combination of claim 5 including a purchase support line and stationarily supported vertically spaced rope guide means about which said support line is trained to define a pair of upstanding reaches extending between said rope guide means, said tank being interposed in and supported from one of said rope reaches.
 7. The combination of claim 6 wherein said liquid supply means includes a motor, a liquid pump driven by said motor and including a liquid outlet and a liquid inlet adapted to be communicated with a suitable source of liquid, a delivery line having one end communicated with said liquid outlet, a second end communicated with said inlet and outlet means and including an inlet valve disposed between said inlet and outlEt means and said liquid outlet, and outlet line having one end communicated with said delivery line between said inlet and outlet means and said liquid outlet and an outlet end adapted to discharge liquid drained from said tank, and an outlet valve operatively associated with said outlet line and disposed between the outlet end of said delivery line and said inlet valve.
 8. The combination of claim 7 wherein said assembly includes friction brake means stationarily supported relative to said rope guide means and selectively operable on the other reach of said purchase line for variably retarding longitudinal shifting of said other reach relative to said brake means. 